Next generation of firefighters cherish their opportunity to serve

Prescott, Arizona (December 15, 2025) – Fronted by an honor guard and followed by the drone of a bagpiper, Fire Academy Class 25-02, grinning and proud, split a sea of well-wishers on their way to the stage. Yavapai College’s Fire Academy graduation brought 19 new firefighters to the community on Thursday, hailed by a Prescott Campus community room packed with proud spouses, curious toddlers and beaming parents.

“Today, we gather to celebrate an extraordinary group of individuals,” Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine said. “You’ve poured your energy, your intellect and your hearts into this journey. And today, we recognize you not only for what you’ve achieved, but for who you are – courageous, highly skilled, unshakable professionals.”

Keynote speaker and Fire Academy Instructor Daniel Hampton thanked families for their ongoing support and praised the nineteen graduates for their perseverance in a program that demands much more than study: “We walk them into burning buildings. There are not many classes in the college that your life would be in danger. It’s very difficult – the time, ability and the physical demands. In this class, they learned to trust each other with their lives.”

Class Speaker Jackson Tennant tied that trust to a deeper sense of service. “The most common question we get is, ‘Why do you want to be a firefighter?’” He told the crowd. “It begins with the desire to give back and serve one’s own community.” Their purpose, he said, is anchored in honor, service and integrity. “As firefighters, we provide leadership to the community and receive trust from those we serve. This trust has been earned and built by decades of brave men and women continuously showing up for their values.”

Class of 2025 award winners included Mike Atchison for Academic Performance; Rafael Beltran as Most Improved Cadet; Class President Jackson Tennant won the Sparkplug and ‘Grinder Performance’ awards.

The Top Graduate Award went to Emma Votava. “It is not easy to be at the top, and be a female in this society,” Hampton said, “but she has definitely done that.”

The ceremony ended with a formal presentation of the Yavapai College Fire Academy Class 25-02:

Mike Atchison, Raphael Beltran, Jonathan Castillo Rocha, Spencer Hill, Tracen Hinds, Dylan Huff, Sean Hughes, Taylor Lance, Christian Matteson, Jacob Ratkus, Jayce Riddle, Kenzly Skipper, Landon Smith, Jackson Tennant, Austin Turley, Bentley Turley, Emma Votava, Gino Wesley, and Arlis Westlake.

The graduates parted with a word of wisdom from Director of Fire Science Robert Borker:

“The longer you’re in the fire service, the more you’ll realize it’s not about the calls you’re on, or the fires you put out. It’s about how you treat one another, how you treat members of the public and how you serve.”

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over one hundred degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.